of a College Counsellor if these robbers do not deliver up their atáman,
chained hand and foot."

"We will think of it, and talk of it again," rejoined the General.
"Still, in any case, we must also take military measures. Gentlemen,
give your votes in proper order."

Everyone's opinion was contrary to mine. Those present vied with each
other about the untrustworthiness of the troops, the uncertainty of
success, the necessity of prudence, and so forth. All were of opinion
that it was better to stay behind a strong wall, their safety assured by
cannon, than to tempt the fortune of war in the open field.

At last, when all the opinions had been given, the General shook the
ashes out of his pipe and made the following speech:--

"Gentlemen, I must tell you, for my part, I am entirely of the opinion
of our friend the ensign, for this opinion is based on the precepts of
good tactics, in which nearly always offensive movements are preferable
to defensive ones." Here he paused a moment and filled his pipe. My
self-love was triumphant, and I cast a proud glance at the civil
officials who were whispering among themselves, with an air of disquiet
and discontent. "But, gentlemen," resumed the General, with a sigh, and
puffing out a cloud of smoke, "I dare not take upon myself such a great
responsibility, when the safety is in question of the provinces
entrusted to my care by Her Imperial Majesty, my gracious Sovereign.
Therefore I see I am obliged to abide by the advice of the majority,
which has ruled that prudence as well as reason declares that we should
await in the town the siege which threatens us, and that we should
defeat the attacks of the enemy by the force of artillery, and, if the